Ortiz: Jordan Lyles is starting to look like an ace

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In a season that must ultimately be judged by how the Astros grow and weed out the pretenders, righthander Jordan Lyles is one of the biggest reasons for hope at Minute Maid Park.

At 22, the big righthander from South Carolina might already be the Astros’ ace. He’s that good. Coming off a career-high 10 strikeouts against the Mariners, he is 2-0 with a 1.67 ERA in his last six starts.

In that span, he has given up only seven earned runs over 37 2/3 innings while striking out 28 and walking just 10.

The Astros haven’t had a young pitcher as good as Lyles at Minute Maid Park since the great Roy Oswalt, who actually didn’t debut in the majors until he was 23. Lyles, who made his debut at 20, won’t be 23 until Oct. 19.

Off the field, the kid’s makeup mirrors Oswalt’s.

Both are quiet despite a burning desire to kick your butt. They don’t parade around like a peacock. They merely take the ball every fifth day and compete and then come in early on their days off to get their work in.

“Lyles is very observant and is very disciplined,” says a person inside the Astros’ clubhouse. “He has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation guy. His delivery will allow him to throw a lot of innings. That’s the real key.”

Astros third base coach Dave Trembley, whom I respect tremendously, often states five crucial traits to a pitcher’s success. Lyles checks off all the boxes.

Repeat your delivery, and then everything follows. Check.

Command your fastball. Check.

Throw secondary pitches (like curveball, slider) even in the count or behind in the count. Check.

Field your position. Check.

Hold runners. Check.

At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds and 22 years old, you have to imagine that Lyles still will become bigger and stronger. Equally important, Lyles’ makeup is off the chart. You can build a rotation around him in the future because he’s a great pitcher who also handles himself like a professional who respects the game.

Lyles is 3-1 with a 3.48 ERA this season, and he appears to have turned the corner toward stardom.

He’s on the mound tonight against the Brewers, and he’s definitely a reason for optimism at Minute Maid Park.